Himachal Pradesh unveils comprehensive pension scheme for women amidst opposition queries

Dharamshala/Shimla, March 4, 2024: In a landmark announcement made during a press conference in Shimla, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu unveiled a new welfare initiative aimed at empowering women across Himachal Pradesh. 

The "Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana," set to commence in the financial year 2024-25, promises a monthly pension of Rs 1500 to all women aged between 18 and 80. This ambitious program, extending beyond its initial pilot in the district of Lahaul-Spiti, is expected to benefit over five lakh women throughout the state.

The Chief Minister detailed the logistics of the scheme, noting that an annual expenditure of Rs 800 crore is earmarked to support this endeavor. Additionally, he mentioned the enhancement of the existing pension for women over 60 years, from Rs 1150 to Rs 1500, aligning with the new scheme's objectives.

Highlighting the Congress government's achievements since taking office a year ago, Sukhu referenced the significant financial challenges faced, including a state debt of Rs 75 thousand crore and liabilities worth Rs 10 thousand crore due to employee benefits. Despite these hurdles, the government has introduced several impactful policies and programs, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity, such as the rain disaster that led to the destruction of approximately four thousand homes.

Chief Minister Sukhu also reiterated the government's commitment to its pre-election promises, citing the implementation of the old pension scheme, the launch of the Rs 650 crore Rajiv Gandhi Startup Scheme, the introduction of English medium instruction in schools from the first class, and initiatives to support agriculture and dairy farming as key achievements.

With the "Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana," the Himachal Pradesh government takes a significant step towards enhancing the social and economic welfare of women across the state, aiming to forge a more inclusive and prosperous future.

However, the announcement was met with skepticism by the leader of the opposition in Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur, who raised concerns about the scheme's scope. Pointing out that there are 22 lakh women within the 18 to 80 age bracket in the state, he questioned the plan to only include 5 lakh women, leaving 17 lakh women without the scheme's benefits.